Female

Male

Male

Male

Male

Golden-headed Quetzal

Identification

Large trogon, shimmering emerald above with red belly. Male has noticeable golden sheen on head and yellow bill; female has brown head and duller brownish chest and bill. In all plumages, look for entirely dark tail and dark eye to help separate from similar Crested Quetzal. Found in forests and edges in the subtropical zones. Tends to perch stolidly in the subcanopy; can be difficult to spot. Most often seen in the vicinity of a fruiting tree, singly or in pairs, although sometimes several birds can gather at a food source. Listen for mournful song, a repeated “go home, go home, go home.”